Juicy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe: Summer’s Fresh Delight

Summer gatherings come alive with this vibrant BBQ chicken skewer salad that brings zesty flavors to your plate.

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a smoky BBQ sauce create an irresistible centerpiece for this refreshing dish.

Crisp greens and colorful vegetables complement the charred, juicy chicken skewers perfectly.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of grilled goodness and fresh ingredients.

The light, tangy dressing adds a bright finish that elevates every forkful.

Colorful, packed with protein, and surprisingly easy to prepare, this salad promises to be the star of your next outdoor meal.

Prepare to impress your guests with this mouthwatering culinary creation that turns an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Ingredient Rundown

• BBQ Sauce: Tangy base that infuses sweet and smoky flavor into the chicken, choose a high-quality brand with balanced smokiness.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices evenly and keeps chicken moist during cooking, select extra virgin for richer taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth without raw garlic intensity, ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides rich, smoky undertone that complements BBQ profile, opt for Spanish variety for authentic flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out chicken's natural taste, use kosher or sea salt for better texture.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more vibrant flavor.

• Chicken Cubes: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully, choose boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for tenderness.

• Wooden Skewers: Provides structure for grilling and serving, soak in water beforehand to prevent burning during cooking.

Tools You’ll Need for a Skewer Salad Like This

• Mixing bowl: For combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Cutting board: For preparing and cutting chicken cubes.
• Sharp knife: To dice chicken into uniform pieces.
• Wooden or metal skewers: For threading and grilling chicken.
• Tongs: To safely handle and turn chicken on grill or in pan.
• Grill or stovetop pan: For cooking chicken until fully done.
• Meat thermometer (optional): To check chicken's internal temperature.

Assembling the Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Whip Up a Zesty Marinade

Mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl to create a flavor-packed coating for your chicken.

• Massage Chicken with Flavor

Toss chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring every piece gets a delicious bath. Let it soak up the goodness for 30 minutes if time allows.

• Thread Tasty Morsels

Carefully slide marinated chicken chunks onto pre-soaked skewers, creating colorful meat kebabs ready for cooking.

• Grill to Perfection

Cook skewers over medium-high heat on the grill, rotating every few minutes to ensure even browning. Alternatively, use a stovetop pan or oven at 400F/200C for about 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred. Watch for golden-brown edges and juicy interior.

Flavor Twists for This Skewer-licious Salad

• Marinating Magic: Let chicken sit in the BBQ sauce mixture longer than 30 minutes for deeper flavor penetration, ideally up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Grill Master Technique: Ensure skewers are presoaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning and create perfect char marks without scorching.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace traditional salad base with cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a lighter, keto-friendly version that maintains the dish's delicious profile.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or large portobello mushroom chunks, using the same marinade for a plant-based alternative that delivers robust BBQ flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for those who enjoy a spicier kick, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.

Serving the Skewer Salad Beautifully

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Serve these sizzling skewers atop a bed of crisp mixed greens, drizzled with extra BBQ sauce for an extra punch of tangy goodness.
• Wrap and Roll Delight: Slide the grilled chicken off skewers into warm tortillas with fresh coleslaw, creating a handheld meal that bursts with summer vibes.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Pair skewers with fluffy quinoa, cucumber slices, and a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce for a protein-packed Mediterranean-inspired dish that feels light and refreshing.
• Party Platter Magic: Arrange skewers on a large platter with colorful vegetable dips, perfect for casual gatherings where guests can grab and enjoy a quick, delicious bite.

BBQ Chicken Salad Storage Tips for Freshness

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover BBQ chicken skewers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
• Meal Prep Magic: Chop extra chicken and salad ingredients earlier in the week, allowing quick assembly of skewers and salads within 10 minutes.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap uncooked marinated chicken skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient storage up to 2 months.
• Temperature Safety Tip: Always cool grilled chicken completely before refrigerating, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining optimal taste and texture.

Sizzling BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-style BBQ chicken skewer salad boasts bold flavors from Greece. Juicy grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing create a refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup corn kernels
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar or feta cheese
• ¼ cup crispy tortilla strips or croutons
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 15 minutes

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, creating a vibrant flavor base.
2. Chicken Marination: Thoroughly coat chicken cubes with the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to intensify taste dimensions.
3. Skewer Setup: Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent combustion during grilling, then carefully thread marinated chicken pieces, maintaining consistent spacing.
4. Grilling Process: Ignite grill to medium-high heat, positioning skewers for optimal searing. Rotate periodically to achieve uniform caramelization and prevent scorching.
5. Cooking Verification: Grill for 12-15 minutes, confirming internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F/74°C. Alternative cooking methods include stovetop searing or oven roasting at 400°F/200°C.
6. Resting Phase: Allow grilled skewers to rest briefly, enabling juice redistribution and flavor enhancement before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to avoid charring and potential flame flare-ups.
• Marinade Magic: Allow chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor penetration, refrigerate up to 4 hours without exceeding 8 hours to maintain meat texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F/74°C internally, guaranteeing safe consumption while preventing overcooking and dryness.
• Alternative Cooking Options: When outdoor grilling isn’t possible, seamlessly transition to stovetop pan searing or oven roasting at 400°F/200°C, maintaining consistent cooking techniques and flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg